Record-Breaking Season Earns Johnson Top Conference Honors

Western New England University (WNE) sophomore Derek Johnson delivered one of the most remarkable individual seasons in program history—setting records, winning multiple tournaments, and earning the prestigious Conference of New England (CNE) Golfer of the Year title following the fall championships.

Johnson’s rise began during his freshman year when he set a program record at the Rich Korzec Invitational at Tatnuck Country Club in Worcester, Mass., carding a 66—the lowest 18-hole score in WNE history, breaking a 20-year-old mark. Coming off a stellar debut that earned him CNE Co-Rookie of the Year honors, Johnson entered the 2025 season determined to build on that success.

His sophomore campaign quickly gained momentum at the Bowdoin College Invitational, where he shot back-to-back rounds of 71 to tie for first and secure his first individual win of the season. Johnson then dominated the CNE Championships, accomplishing a two-day total of 136 (-8), finishing 10 strokes ahead of the runner-up and setting a new program record for the lowest 36-hole score. The performance earned him CNE Golfer of the Year and All-Conference First Team honors, along with his second tournament victory. Johnson continued his winning streak at the Skidmore Invitational, a 54-hole event where he posted rounds of 73, 67, and 69. His score of 67 now ranks as the second lowest in program history, just behind his record-setting 66.

The fall season concluded with Johnson leading WNE to a second-place team finish at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) Tournament. Individually, he sat atop a field of 119 golfers, claiming his fourth win of the season with consecutive rounds of 72. As of November 12, Johnson is ranked 27th nationally in NCAA Division III men’s golf—among more than 1,700 players.

WNE Men’s Soccer Honors 50th Anniversary of Historic 1975 NAIA Final Four Team

During Golden Bear Weekend, WNE celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary 1975 men’s soccer team—the squad that captured the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) New England Championship and advanced to the NAIA National Final Four. Coached by Bill “Red” Downes G’83, the team finished with an impressive 15-4-2 record and placed fourth nationally. Mark Starapoli ’76 served as team captain during this historic season.

The anniversary festivities began with the annual Men’s Soccer Alumni Golf Tournament at Veterans Golf Course in Springfield. The following morning, alumni gathered for a coffee reception on Golden Bear Boulevard at the College of Business tent.

Later that day, attendees cheered on the current Golden Bears as they faced Roger Williams University in a CNE matchup. At halftime, the 1975 team was honored with an on-field ceremony, where those in attendance were recognized for this historic anniversary. The celebration continued that evening with a 50th Anniversary Soccer Dinner at The Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, where teammates, family, and friends shared stories, laughter, and memories of their remarkable season.

Recognized as one of the most historic teams in Western New England athletics, the 1975 squad was inducted into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000—the first full team to receive this honor.

Mrzywka Makes History in First Season with Golden Bears

Western New England’s first-year field hockey standout Mikayla Mrzywka made an immediate impact, helping the Golden Bears to 12 wins during the 2025 season, including four victories in CNE play. She scored her first collegiate goal on September 3 in a 5-0 win over Westfield State University at Golden Bear Stadium.

Mrzywka’s breakout continued in the CNE opener against the University of Hartford, where she tallied a goal and two assists for her first four-point game. The Penfield, N.Y. native delivered clutch performances midseason, recording three game-winning goals in victories over Keene State College, Gordon College, and cross-town rival Springfield College.

Her offensive surge intensified over the final seven games, as she posted eight goals and three assists for 19 points. In the CNE Tournament, Mrzywka powered WNE past Johnson & Wales University with two goals on eight shots.

By the end of the season, Mrzywka had compiled 20 goals, five assists, and 45 points—numbers that etched her name into the WNE record books. Her 45 points rank second-most in a single season, as do her 20 goals and 2.14 points per game. She is also tied for fifth in program history with four game-winning goals.

With field hockey wrapped up for the fall, Mrzywka will continue representing the Blue and Gold as a dual-sport athlete, joining the WNE women’s ice hockey team this winter.

Harris Makes History in Final Game for WNE Football

De’Andre Harris, Western New England’s wide receiver closed out his career in spectacular fashion, becoming the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards during the season finale—a record previously held by Steven Fedorchak ’21. Harris surpassed the 2,531-yard mark in a dominant 63-20 win over Nichols College, finishing the game with six catches for 211 yards. His record-breaking moment came on a 75-yard touchdown reception, pushing his career total to 2,694 yards.

With over 41 games in a Golden Bears uniform, the Weymouth, Mass., native recorded 152 receptions (third-most in program history), 2,694 yards, and 24 touchdowns—ranking second all-time. This season, Harris posted career highs with 52 catches for 1,013 yards, becoming the first WNE receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards in a single season since 2019. He logged five 100-yard games in 2025, four of them in conference play.